Strengthening Quality in Education, Science and Skills Development at the Centre of the EOQ Congress at UBT
23/10/2026As part of the European Organization for Quality (EOQ) Congress, the second day placed the challenges, perspectives and innovations in higher education and skills development at the forefront, focusing on the needs of a constantly evolving society.
The parallel session dedicated to quality assurance, international recognition and future skills brought together distinguished experts, policymakers and academics, who shared their perspectives and visions for raising standards across education systems.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Besnik Skenderi, the session addressed key topics related to quality governance, digital transformation, dual education, and the close relationship between universities, industry and society. At the opening of the session, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Enver Hoxhaj, emphasized the importance of strengthening quality in education, science and skills development as a fundamental pillar of societal progress.
The discussion was further enriched by Mr. Shkëlzen Gërxhaliu, Director of the Department for Post-Accreditation and Monitoring, who focused on quality governance in education and the development of transparent, innovative and technology-oriented learning systems.
Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallahu also contributed to the presentations, while Mimika Dobroshi, Head of the Erasmus+ Office in Kosovo, presented the long-term impact of European projects on quality assurance and the development of new skills.
International practices and the dual education model were also important components of the session. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gordana Nikolić, an expert in dual education from European University, explored the relationship between universities, industry and the skills of the future.
The digitalization aspect was addressed by Prof. Dr. Kozeta Sevrani from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tirana, who discussed digital transformation and quality in management and higher education. The importance of scientific research was highlighted by Prof. Dr. Anila Hoda, Scientific Secretary, who focused on scientific excellence and collaboration within knowledge systems. Meanwhile, Ms. Efka Heder, former Director of SEECEL and representative of Mondragon University, presented examples of applied higher education and the connection between educational institutions and society.
The scientific dimension of the session was further enriched by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çesko from UBT, who presented his paper entitled “Quality, Productivity and Sustainable Value Creation in Food and Industry: Polyphenol Oxidase: From Biochemistry to Industrial Quality.” In his presentation, he explored the control of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as a strategic lever for quality, introducing participants to contemporary scientific approaches, underlying mechanisms, practical applications, and their integration with food safety standards and market requirements.
Concluding this session, Prof. Dr. Besnik Skenderi from UBT presented perspectives on quality, competence and vocational education, highlighting UBT’s key role in developing employability skills and supporting higher performance in the labour market.
This session of the EOQ Congress reaffirmed the shared commitment of institutions, academia and experts to addressing current challenges and advancing quality and innovation standards in education.
